Mobile devices – security implications of embedded systems

An embedded system is an electronic system that has software and is embedded in computer hardware. Some are programmable and some are not. Embedded systems are commonly found in consumer, cooking, industrial, automotive, medical, communications, commercial, and military applications.

Examples:

• Household items: Microwave ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, baby monitors, printers, MP3 players, video game consoles and cameras, and audio/video surveillance to wireless devices that control lighting.
• IT infrastructure: Telephone switches at the network end to cell phones at the consumer end. Dedicated routers and network bridges to route data. HVAC systems that use networked thermostats to control temperature and CCTV security systems.

Let's now look at each of these:

• Smart devices/IoT: Smart devices, such as a smart TV, can connect to a home network and gain access to the internet. IoT comprises small devices, such as ATM...